We have been several times in Río Puelo – at least six or seven – and it is one of our favorite spots on earth. One gets off the airplane in Puerto Montt and continues by car southbound towards the Reloncaví estuary, where the ocean, river and land meet.

RÍO PUELO — Salmon and mussel ponds are seen throughout the journey. Before reaching Río Puelo we passed Cochamó, well-known by mountain climbers. One can also enjoy delightful, long horse-riding excursions.

When we arrived at our destination we were truly enthralled by its beauty; the wealth in water that comes from the height of the mountains is the pinnacle of the unique scenery, with waterfalls running down like silver threads from the big green hills and the river’s emerald colored water clean and transparent enough to see each single stone.

The fishing area is also famous and known all over the world. While contemplating near the river, you can be surprised by the “splash” of a fish and marveled by the generous palette of different hues that Mother Nature offers as sight. It is truly spectacular.

Besides the rivers, there is an enormous wealth of native trees such as the canelos, ulmos, avellanos (hazelnuts), ciruelillos, alerces, and coigüe. On some of them bees place themselves on their flowers to suck their pollen.

The place is still a paradise, although threatened by the presence of man; a Brazilian businessman bought the water rights of Río Puelo, and locals watched how all the small bridges were reinforced in order to be able to hold up the weight of heavy trucks and a “central de paso” that started in Río Manso. Suddenly some roads were paved. According to the project manager, electricity would be transmitted through cables on high pillars towards Cochamó Valley, where they would join the central system. This project disagrees with nature, creating a schism within these privileged environs.

Beauty in nature is a gift and we should take care of it–we have plenty of busy cities all over the world as a consequence of centralization. The far away regions have to contribute to the comfort of the city dwellers of big capitals. These few primitive sights, still unspoiled, where we can hold our breath filling our souls with peace and strength to continue the struggle of life, should be extremely protected, like one protects a tiny seed, because this seed will be the nourishment of future generations.